A photograph of tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal crying and holding hands at the Laver Cup captured a rare and emotional moment between the two rivals and friends, who have dominated the sport for over a decade.
In an interview with El País, Roger mentioned that he has a framed picture of himself and Rafa embracing during the 2022 Laver Cup.
I have the picture at home, framed, in a space where I keep some other images of my career. I don’t want photos everywhere, so I keep them in a specific area. When I pass by this one, it always catches my attention because it reflects our camaraderie, our friendship, and also our rivalry, all in a single image. It is a moment in which we are both able to reflect on everything we had just experienced, remembering our careers and how fortunate we have been to be tennis players, to have turned our hobby into a dream profession. That’s what this photo means to me. It was a significant moment to hold his hand for a second and, essentially, to show him my gratitude through that touch.
Roger Federer
That photo is simply priceless, and it’s no wonder Roger wants to keep it close.
Rafa : “I’m training to try and be ready for singles. I want to play at a high level at singles, and I know that if I can do that, I’ll be able to play at a good level in doubles.” [Instagram].
It certainly hope it’s the case. Go for it, Rafa!
Lorna it’s a confusing situation with media reporting going both ways on whether Rafa will play singles at the Olympics. From the report you quoted it would seem that Rafa intends to play singles as well as doubles. But maybe he is saying that he is currently playing singles as prep for doubles. Remember English is his second language and also some sources are translatiing Spanish to English.
I’m not arguing one way or the other. I’m just saying that the media reports are just not clear .
Absolutely. I’m with you on that, David 🤷🏽♀️ I’ll just wait and see now.
I watched Federer’s “Twelve Final Days” – it was good. It was clear from the program and the things that Roger said how much he respects Rafa and what really good friends they are. He said that right from the start (when he first played Rafa) he could see what a talent he was and that he was going to win alot. And alot of the footage around the Laver Cup showed the two of them hanging out and chatting. Federer also said that he thought he and Rafa were a good example to younger tennis players that you could be opponents and competitors but still be friendly and on good terms with each other.
Pure class❤️
There will never B another “Sports Relationship “ like this one!!! 2 Incredibly TALENTED HANDSOME GENUINE AUTHENTIC POPULAR HUMAN BEINGS!!!
I’ve just read that Rafa will be competing in the doubles only at the Olympics and not the singles [source: tennis365]. It was previously reported in the media that he was playing in both.
Lorna, for some reason I had always thought that Rafa intended to play only doubles in the Olympics and not singles too. That said I could not find anything at Tennis365 that Rafa was only playing doubles. I could be mistaken of course and whatever Rafa wants to do is good by me. If all goes well I hope Rafa will consider playing in North America in August.
I don’t think the decision on whether Rafa will also play singles at the Olympics has been made yet as most sites includes the Spanish Tennis Federation seem to simply state that he will be of the Olympic team. Might be a case of Rafa deciding closer to the start of the Olympics what his fitness level is. Can’t imagine him not wanting to compete in the singles if he’s able.
Rafa has always said that he is a singles player, and doubles is a bonus. So, while he will play both singles and doubles, I think he will prioritize playing singles better and more over doubles at the Olympics.
Julieta and Iasabel, you’ve said it so well. My sentiments entirely.
A moment embedded in our memories. It was as though the significance of the moment
caught up to them. A twist of fate that your life intersects with someone who knows
your passion, dedication, and talent. This person challenges you, reduces you to tears, and dares you to stretch just a little further again………what luck to have seen this dance of champions-Roger, Rafa-thanks for the magic❤️🔥
Very precious healthy friendship exists between Rafa & Roger. I hope the young emerging stars will follow their example – be rivals and care for each other at the same time.